Box 1.4 QUESTION TO CONSIDER ABOUT INTAKE
How many meals and snacks do you eat in a 24-hour period? This question helps to establish the pattern of eating and identifies unusual food habits such as pica, food faddism, eating disorders, and meal skipping.
Do you have any food allergies or intolerances, and if so, what are they? The greater the number of foods restricted or eliminated in the diet, the greater the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies. This question may also shed light on the client’s need for nutrition counseling. For instance, clients with hiatal hernia who are intolerant of citrus fruits and juices may benefit from counseling on how to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C.
What type of vitamin, mineral, herbal, or other supplements do you use and why? A multivitamin, multimineral supplement that provides 100% or less of the daily value offers some protection against less than optimal food choices. Folic acid in supplements or fortified food is recommended for women of childbearing age; people older than 50 years are encouraged to obtain vitamin B12 from fortified foods or supplements. However, potential problem may arise from other types or amounts of supplements. For instance, large doses of vitamin A, B6, and D have the potential